Konzerthaus

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• Konzerthaus Berlin (right) at night. Left: Deutscher Dom (German Cathedral).

One of Schinkel's major buildings, the Konzerthaus at Gendarmenmarkt is a famous concert hall in Berlin and performance venue of the Konzerthausorchester Berlin.

Schinkel's 1821 Konzerthaus building had first opened in 1776 as the Französische Komödienhaus (French Comedy Theatre). Known as "Schauspielhaus" since the 19th century, the Konzerthaus is of the three spectacular buildings on Gendarmenmarkt - the harmonious ensemble including the German and French Dome. The Konzerthaus is revered as a treasure of German neoclassical architecture.

Konzerthaus was designed by Schinkel

Berlin's National Theatre, designed by Karl Gotthard Langhans had burned down and the building designed by Schinkel (1818-21) for Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III was intended to replace it. Schinkel added a staircase of grandiose proportions to reach the portico and integrated features of the original building spared by the fire such as the columns and outside walls. The innovative design replaced the traditional Baroque higher stage with a lower, broader proscenium, an arch separating the stage from the auditorium.

Some of the great musical events that took place here include premieres of ETA Hoffmann's Opera "Undine", in 1816, Weber's "Der Freischütz", and Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. Wagner conducted his "Fliegender Holländer" (The Flying Dutchman) here.

Reconstruction of the Konzerthaus after WWII

Severly damaged during WWII, the Konzerthaus reopened as late as 1984, following restoration as a concert hall. The Berlin Symphony Orchestra performed the inauguration gala concert on October 1, 1984 and the opening ceremony of Berlin's 750th anniversary. On Christmas day 1989, Leonard Bernstein conducted Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with its famous Ode to Freedom accompanied by an international orchestra and choir. The Berlin Symphony orchestra was renamed Konzerthausorchester in 2006.

Konzerthaus has four event halls

With a varied and exciting programme, the Konzerthaus hosts over 550 events which take place in the four halls – the Great Hall, the Small Hall, Werner Otto Hall and Musikclub with over 100 concerts per season. The Jehmlich organ, located in the Great Hall, is another highlight. With its 74 registers it is known for its different tone colours and broad range from baroque to modern music.

Visiting the Konzerthaus

Reasonably priced tours and guided tours are also available usually on Saturday afternoons at 1:00 pm. They can be booked in different languages. Free guided tours take place every half hour and information is available from the Visitor’s Centre.

Sunday family concert matinees are very popular and well worth attending, especially suitable for younger children. Tickets can be purchased online and advanced reservations made for all events without any additional charge for advance bookings.

Photo Gallery (in German)

Konzerthaus Berlin

• Hier erfahren Sie mehr über das Konzerthaus Berlin.

• Hier erfahren Sie mehr über das Konzerthaus Berlin.

• Hier erfahren Sie mehr über das Konzerthaus Berlin.

• Hier erfahren Sie mehr über das Konzerthaus Berlin.

• Hier erfahren Sie mehr über das Konzerthaus Berlin.